Alzheimer's

Asheville
May, 2010

Dear Family and Friends,

Suzi is amazingly sharp!

Some time ago, perhaps a year ago, she decided I was going to be examined by the Alzheimer's Clinic based here in Asheville.

Naturally, I thought she was nuts, and decided to humor her.

But, of course, they said I was Alzeed. So, I took refuge at the VA clinic which found similar, but not yet advanced indications.

Now, things are changing. Most notably, memory. It's really a bit bizarre. I simply and periodically draw a total blank when Suzi says impatiently, "We just discussed that yesterday!"

Uh, oh.

So far , I haven't gotten lost and my driving and tennis don't seem to be affected much at all. When that happens, you'll let me know, and , hopefully , I'll gracefully withdraw.

If you want to see me in a nearly normal state, if there has ever been such a thing, I suppose now's the time to do it. Wag will be visiting next week. we'll see the Christophers now and then since they're close. And we have been planning a trip North for late Spring or early Summer. So, kids, let us know your schedules.

Friends, I expect you will begin to drop off as time goes by, and that's exactly what I'd do were I in the reverse position. I certainly enjoyed each one of you, and we have had some great times together!

Family: good luck! It will be a bit different for you when, like Suzi's step mother, I fail to recognize you or think you are someone else.

It's bizarre, but I suspect that it's harder on friends and especially on family than it will be on me. So what if I think you're Napoleon? Actually, you do look a bit like Napoleon.

My guess is that it is not painful to the individual who is experiencing these mental debilities. The anguish likely heightens when the patient becomes an economic drag on family.

I've been continuing with stock market trading in an attempt to build before becoming bizarre, but the market has not been terribly cooperative, and I suppose the wise thing to do will be to turn it over to advisors in the not too distant future before I make radical mistakes.

Actually, there are so many children, and such a minor kitty, that it will not affect the kids much one way or the other. You'd think I would have built it into a significant pool by now, but I really have done a decent job by not losing money. So, my best advice to you kids is: Be nice to Suzi! She is fair, generous, smart, and has excellent advisors.

Affection to all,

Ennalls II

PS Oh yes, in terms of time, they’ve penciled me in for croaking in about 8 years. If you want to see me, try making it before I’m totally dafted. And forget the funeral. I’m not coming.